[AT] Old baler guidance needed

[Spencer Yost]

>From the "ain't farming fun" department.....
 
As you folks may remember, I have only 5 acres to bale.   I do manage it fairly intensively so there is a lot of hay there and always worth the effort.   I mow and tedd and a neighbor rakes and bales it.
 
Short story:   I now need a baler - Can anyone share experience with the Massey #3 baler?   I looked at one in very nice shape for very little money.  #3s are a wood block instead of roller bearing baler but the blocks seem to be in good shape.  The Massey is really straight and shows very little wear.   Very tight chains and signs of continual maintenance and mostly shed storage.
 
Long story:  My neighbor who bales for me has a family member - another farmer also - in the hospital and he says he can no longer do my hay because he now also has their hay to worry about.   I know better than to ask to borrow his equipment so I am left to scramble for a rake and baler and get them within 3 weeks.  I would say "forget it" and just buy hay, but I have $500 in lime, seed, fertilizer, and have spread lots of composted manure.    It would be a a real loss to just mow it and then have to buy hay.  Because it is only 5 acres, cost is a huge concern and am willing to make do with any old thing that will put up 400-500 bales a year.  I just don't want a baler that everyone knows is a "problem baler". I have never even picked up bales behind a Massey baler; let alone operated or owned one.   I am still looking for a custom baler but I am coming up with zilch for a custom baler that will do square bales.   A few in the area will do round bales.

Thanks in advance!

Spencer Yost